Children's Museum with Paige

This morning Adam informed me that he wanted to go to the Children's Museum. It is his new favorite hangout. Since we have a membership for 3, I asked him if he wanted to bring a friend and he chose Paige. So... I called Laura and told her that we would like to steal Paige for the morning. Fortunately, she obliged or I would have had an unhappy boy on my hands!

Although we had fun, I did learn my lesson today. I won't be going back to the museum before noon. Lately, Ad E & I have been going after lunch and we practically have the place to ourselves. There is never a wait for anything and it is a lot more fun. Today there was an elementary school trip and a million preschoolers there all vying for the shopping carts, cars, bicycles, etc. The kids still had a good time, but I told Paige next time we would pick up Adam from school on a Tues or Thurs and head over.

It was Paige's first trip to the museum and she was so cute! She kept saying "WOW!" whenever we explored a new area. She was even impressed with the bathrooms which had a toilet and sink 'just her size'.

One of Adam's favorite things to do at the museum is pour and measure the rice/beans.

House painters.

After fighting the mob at the museum, the kids & I were hungry so we walked over to one my favorite sandwich shops - Crave - at the ASU Downtown Center. I had a delicious Veg-Out sandwich. They truly have the best vegetarian options!!

Enjoying lunch.

The bike rack tunnel by Crave - one of the highlights of the day. Really. They loved it. :)

On another note... Jeremy and I were joking the other night that I am going to have to change the name of my blog. We are leaning toward "Outnumbered in AZ". :)

Baby 3's first picture. Literally looks like I swallowed a peanut whole.

Catch-Up

So, now that our secret is out of the bag, you can all forgive me for not having been as good about posting lately. I have been super tired and going to bed about the same time as the kids. Plus, I know I should, but I haven't slowed down much during the day and time at the computer is a luxury. But enough excuses! Here are some pictures of recent goings-on in the Johnson family. I'll try to get better about taking more pictures... and posting them!

Adam 'trapped' at the Children's Museum.

My gorgeous boy on one of our Starbucks dates.

Beautiful Kindergartner on University Friday.

Spiderman and Madeline at Chandler Mall. It was a fun outing for Gina, me and our favorite 3 year olds.

Rock Star!

When can we decorate for Halloween?!!

Morgan trying on her holiday socks and playing with her new flashlight.
May the force be with you. Adam has chosen to be Obi Wan Kenobi for Halloween.

Adam checking out the ultrasound that indicates he will now be a little... and big... brother.

Morgan was in shock. "Really?" she kept asking me. "Are you 100% positively sure?" After we convinced her it was not her in the ultrasound, she was very excited. This morning she came up to me and looked at my belly. I told her it would be a while longer before it gets bigger. :)

Grammy Time

It is late, I am tired and I have been working on our preschool financial stuff most of the day (i.e., I have brain fry!), but it has been a while since I posted and my mom has sent me some great pictures of the kids.


On Sunday, Jeremy and I went to see 'Tropic Thunder' (save your money) and my mom and Tom entertained the kids for a couple hours. It was a treat for all of us. As you can tell by the pictures, the kids enjoyed putting on a fashion show.

Snowman tickles caped princess.

A smile for the camera.

Cat woman has nothing on Morgan!

Cat cutie.

Then, last night, Adam spent the night at Grammy's. He is really into the Star Wars trilogy and Grammy is so cool she helped him build a fort for the characters to play on. I wish I had her energy!!!

Posing with his awesome fort.

Look at Grammy's and my artwork!

Darth Vader hangs on for dear life.

I have some more pictures to update one of these days... for now, off to catch some zzzzzzzzz.

Morgan Starts Kindergarten!!!

Our Kindergartner!

Today was Morgan's first day of school at EAGLE College Prep. She has been excited about this day for months and, unlike many of the kids (and some parents), she did fantastic.

As soon as she woke up this morning, she came downstairs with the list of before school activities we created together (i.e., healthy breakfast, brush hair, brush teeth, etc.). She happily reviewed and checked it off as the morning went on. Then, she and I grabbed her backpack and headed to school. Since the building is still not quite done (hopefully tomorrow or Thursday), they had a school 'camp' day at a local banquet hall.

On the way to school Morgan told me she was a little nervous only because she didn't know many kids in her class. I told her that one of the things I have always been so impressed with her about is her ability to make new friends. She smiled at that and proved me right for within three minutes of being there, she was off and playing with other kids.It was such an exciting atmosphere this morning and so neat to see all the kids in their new uniforms.

Arriving in the main hall.

After setting lunchbags, paperwork, etc. inside, they asked all the kids and parents to wait outside. They then called all the kids up by name to stand with their teacher. That was the only point I got a little choked up. But, any sadness passed, because I know that Morgan is smart enough, mature enough and all together ready to be there.

Waiting to be called up with her class.

Morgan's class during roll call.

I am looking forward to picking Morgan up and hearing all about her first day. When I left she was playing a game of Simon says and already looked to be having a great time.

Adam Date, Day at Grammy's & IKEA Adventure

On Tuesday afternoon my mom came over for lunch and a visit. She headed back home with Morgan in tow for a girls-only sleepover. Morgan had a fantastic time, as usual. Adam was very sad as he wanted to go with so Jeremy and I made an extra effort to make his night memorable as well. Adam and I went to Cold Stone for ice cream and then to the Dollar Store (yes, I do go there on occasion though I wish we didn't live within 2 miles of 2 of them!) where I let him pick out a prize. He picked out a bug catcher. I think he liked the net and tweezers. Then after Jeremy got off work we had dinner and went swimming. He seemed very satisified all evening to be the center of attention, but the next morning the first thing out of his mouth was, "let's go to Grammy's!" So... we did and ended up staying the entire day. She bought the kids a rock-painting kit which Morgan loved and Adam enjoyed until he got distracted. We are so lucky to live close to my mom. I wish all the grandparents lived close by (hint, hint).

Chocolate ice cream is best with sprinkles, in a cone, with lots of mess.

Bug catching is fun. :)

Adam swam without his floatie suit the entire time. He was amazing!

One of Morgan's painted rocks. It is an apple tree man she painted for Jeremy.

Jump to yesterday afternoon - we met up with our fabulous friends Gina, Mason & Madeline at IKEA. It was a later than usual get-together for us since we waited until after Mason got out of Kindergarten so we ended up eating dinner there after we let the kids play in the playcenter for a while and Gina and I got (GASP!) adult time shopping. It was a lot of fun to see them, as always. They are some of the best friends anyone could ever hope for.

Hooray!! Finally tall enough to join the fun in the playcenter.

Looking old and married at dinner.

Time with Grandpa Joe & Grandma Mary

Yesterday we ventured north to visit my dad & Mary in Anthem. The kids had a great time. My dad is super with little kids. He had them laughing hysterically. Mary bought them squirt guns which they loved and we enjoyed our time together swimming, playing and going out to lunch.

Adam brought a bag full of cars and people to show Grandpa Joe.

Squirt guns!!

Basketball lesson.

Basketball practice.

Brownies with Grandma Mary.

Adam's First Day of Preschool

I have to admit, sending Adam to preschool today was a bit emotional for me. I know he is ready and will have a great time - it is just hard to see your kids grow up. I can't imagine how my mom feels having 2 kids in their 30's!

When I dropped him off he wanted me to stay for a few minutes, which I was happy to do. Then one of the kids he knows started crying and screaming for his mom. That freaked Adam out a little, but he reluctantly let me go. I stood outside the door for a bit eavesdropping and he didn't start crying so I left. 3 hours later when I picked him up, he was playing with flubber and as happy as can be. Ms. Krysten told me he was one of a few kids in the class who seemed to 'get' the routine of school. He was a good listener and followed directions. On the car ride home he told me all about his day - stories, snack, songs, play, etc. He seemed very content.

I am so excited for him - this should be a fun year of learning! And I am happy to have 4 'solo' mornings with Morgan before she starts Kindergarten. We had fun today doing her nails and swimming. I value each precious moment with my two angels who are growing up way too fast.

Heading toward the classroom.

Getting his picture magnet from Ms. Krysten.

Playing with the magnet letters.

Flubber with friends at pick-up time.

Adam's first school art project. It is "All About Me" month and he decorated this cut-out. Ms. Krysten was impressed by how well he did drawing the face. One of his friends scribbled on his foot and that caused some upset, but she said he got over it pretty quickly. He is such a perfectionist so I am happy he didn't let it ruin his fun. He gave it to me and I will treasure it.